The Brooksville City Council held a special meeting on July 28, 2025, to discuss the city's financial situation and the proposed millage rate for the upcoming budget. The primary focus of the meeting was the recommendation to raise the millage rate to address budgetary shortfalls and improve city services.

Councilmember Hollyle opened the discussion by highlighting the city's financial challenges, noting that previous budgets had not adequately funded essential services. He emphasized the need for a millage rate of at least 6.5% to generate approximately $2.65 million in reserves, which would allow for necessary capital improvements and address community concerns about infrastructure, such as road conditions.

The council discussed the implications of raising the millage rate, with Hollyle stating that without an increase, residents would continue to face issues like potholes and inadequate sidewalks. He acknowledged the discomfort associated with raising taxes but stressed that it was essential for the city's long-term viability.

Councilmember Lewis responded by clarifying that the city's previous financial health was due to specific revenue sources, such as a police department and red light cameras, which are no longer in place. He supported the proposed increase, arguing that it would align Brooksville's millage rate with neighboring cities that lack certain services but still maintain higher rates.

Councilmember Smith expressed his agreement with the need for a millage increase, citing the importance of proactive financial planning to avoid future deficits. He noted that the proposed increase would also enhance the city's eligibility for state funding and grants, which could further support capital improvement projects.

While some council members expressed reservations about the increase, others suggested a compromise, proposing a tentative millage rate of 6.25% to balance the need for funding with the community's concerns about rising taxes. The council ultimately reached a consensus to set a tentative millage rate of 6.5%, with the hope of reducing it before the final budget approval.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to continue exploring budget cuts and alternative funding sources to minimize the impact on residents while ensuring the city can meet its infrastructure and service needs. The council members reiterated their shared responsibility as residents of Brooksville, emphasizing that any decisions made would affect them as well.